Digestive Enzymes

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Digestive Enzymes has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for	Amount	Why
Pancreatic Insufficiency	Consult a qualified medical practitioner	[3 stars] Digestive enzymes are the mainstay of pancreatic insufficiency treatment and have been shown to reduce pain and steatorrhea associated with pancreatitis. Learn More
Close Pancreatic Insufficiency Consult a qualified medical practitioner The mainstay of treatment for pancreatic insufficiency is replacement of digestive enzymes, using supplements prepared from pig pancreas (pancrelipase) or fungi.¹ Enzyme supplements have been shown to reduce steatorrhea²^{, 3} associated with pancreatitis, while pain reduction has been demonstrated in some,⁴^{, 5} though not all,⁶^{, 7} double-blind studies. Digestive enzyme preparations that are resistant to the acidity of the stomach are effective at lower doses compared with conventional digestive enzyme preparations.⁸ Some enzyme preparations are produced with higher lipase enzyme content for improved fat absorption, but one controlled study of chronic pancreatitis found no advantage of this preparation over one with standard lipase content.⁹ People with more severe pancreatic insufficiency or who attempt to eat a higher-fat diet require more enzymes,¹⁰ but large amounts of pancreatic digestive enzymes are known to damage the large intestine in some people with diseases causing pancreatic insufficiency.¹¹^{, 12}^{, 13} Therefore, a qualified healthcare practitioner should be consulted about the appropriate and safe amount of enzymes to use. Many otherwise healthy people suffer from indigestion, and some doctors believe that mild pancreatic insufficiency can be a cause of indigestion. A preliminary study of people with indigestion reported significant improvement in almost all of those given pancreatic enzyme supplements.¹⁴ One double-blind trial found that giving pancreatic enzymes to healthy people along with a high-fat meal reduced bloating, gas, and abdominal fullness following the meal.¹⁵ Stomach surgery patients often have decreased pancreatic function, malabsorption, and abdominal symptoms, including steatorrhea, but digestive enzyme supplementation had no effect on steatorrhea in two of three double-blind studies of stomach surgery patients,¹⁶^{, 17}^{, 18} although some other symptoms did improve.¹⁹^{, 20} Patients who have surgery to remove part of the pancreas often have severe steatorrhea that is difficult to control with enzyme supplements.²¹ In one double-blind study, neither high-dose nor standard-dose pancreatin was able to eliminate steatorrhea in over half of the pancreas surgery patients studied.²² Learn More
Celiac Disease	Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner	[2 stars] Some evidence suggests that enzyme supplements may be useful at the beginning of dietary treatment for this disease. Learn More
Close Celiac Disease Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner People with celiac disease often do not produce adequate digestive secretions from the pancreas, including lipase enzymes²³ In a double-blind trial, children with celiac disease who received a pancreatic enzyme supplement along with a gluten-free diet gained significantly more weight in the first month than those treated with only a gluten-free diet.²⁴ However, this benefit disappeared in the second month, suggesting enzyme supplements may only be useful at the beginning of dietary treatment. Learn More
Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach Acidity	Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner	[2 stars] Lipase, a pancreatic enzyme, aids in the digestion of fats and may improve digestion in some people. Learn More
Close Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach Acidity Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner Lipase, a pancreatic enzyme, aids in the digestion of fats and may improve digestion in some people. In a double-blind trial, a timed-release form of pancreatic enzymes was shown to significantly reduce gas, bloating, and fullness after a high-fat meal.²⁵ Participants in this study took one capsule immediately before the meal and two capsules immediately after the meal. The three capsules together provided 30,000 USP units of lipase, 112,500 USP units of protease, and 99,600 USP units of amylase. However, the amount of pancreatic enzymes needed may vary from person to person, and should be determined with the help of a doctor. Learn More
Osteoarthritis	90 mg of bromelain and 48 mg of trypsin, with 100 mg of rutosid, taken in enteric-coated pills three times per day	[2 stars] In one study, people with painful OA of the knee who received an oral enzyme-flavonoid preparation saw more improvement in pain and joint function than those who took a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID). Learn More
Close Osteoarthritis 90 mg of bromelain and 48 mg of trypsin, with 100 mg of rutosid, taken in enteric-coated pills three times per day In a double-blind study, a group of people with painful OA of the knee received an oral enzyme-flavonoid preparation or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) for six weeks. While both treatments relieved pain and improved joint function, the enzyme-flavonoid product appeared to be slightly more effective than the NSAID. No serious side effects were seen.²⁶ The enzyme-flavonoid product used in this study was Phlogenzym (Mucos Pharma, Geretsried, Germany). Each enteric-coated tablet contained 90 mg of bromelain, 48 mg of trypsin, and 100 mg of rutosid (a derivative of the flavonoid rutin); one tablet was given three times a day. Learn More
Tendinitis	Several tablets per day of proteolytic enzymes	[2 stars] Supplementing with digestive enzymes may reduce the severity of symptoms and speed healing. Learn More
Close Tendinitis Several tablets per day of proteolytic enzymes Alternative healthcare practitioners frequently recommend proteolytic enzymes for various minor injuries. Research demonstrates that these enzymes are well absorbed when taken by mouth,²⁷^{, 28} and preliminary²⁹^{, 30}^{, 31}^{, 32} and double-blind³³^{, 34}^{, 35}^{, 36} trials have shown their effectiveness for reducing pain and swelling associated with various injuries and for speeding up the healing process. Unfortunately, many of these studies did not specifically identify the patients’ injury, so it is unclear whether the positive results included improvements in tendinitis. Learn More
Acne Rosacea	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] Digestive enzymes have been reported anecdotally to improve rosacea symptoms. Learn More
Close Acne Rosacea Some people with rosacea have been reported to produce inadequate stomach acid.³⁷ In a preliminary trial, supplemental hydrochloric acid, along with vitamin B complex, improved some cases of rosacea in people with low stomach-acid production.³⁸ Similarly, improvement in rosacea has been reported anecdotally after supplementation with pancreatic digestive enzymes, and a controlled study found that rosacea patients produced less pancreatic lipase than healthy people.³⁹ Controlled trials are needed to evaluate the effects of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzyme supplements in rosacea. Hydrochloric acid supplements should not be taken without the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. Learn More
Allergies and Sensitivities and Food Allergies	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] Proteolytic enzymes may theoretically reduce allergy symptoms by breaking down undigested protein to sizes that are too small to cause allergic reactions. Learn More
Close Allergies and Sensitivities and Food Allergies According to one theory, allergies are triggered by partially undigested protein. Proteolytic enzymes may reduce allergy symptoms by further breaking down undigested protein to sizes that are too small to cause allergic reactions.⁴⁰ Preliminary human evidence supports this theory.⁴¹Hydrochloric acid secreted by the stomach also helps the digestion of protein, and preliminary research suggests that some people with allergies may not produce adequate amounts of stomach acid.⁴²^{, 43}^{, 44} However, no controlled trials have investigated the use of enzyme supplements to improve digestion as a treatment for food allergies.
Chronic Candidiasis	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] Digestive enzymes inhibit the overgrowth of candida and prevent it from becoming established in the small intestine. Learn More
Close Chronic Candidiasis It is unknown if taking pancreatic enzymes or betaine HCl (hydrochloric acid) tablets is beneficial for chronic candidiasis. Nonetheless, some doctors recommend improving digestive secretions with these agents. Hydrochloric-acid secretion from the stomach, pancreatic enzymes, and bile all inhibit the overgrowth of Candida and prevent its penetration into the absorptive surfaces of the small intestine.⁴⁵^{, 46}^{, 47} Decreased secretion of any of these important digestive components can lead to overgrowth of Candida in the gastrointestinal tract. Consult a physician for more information. Learn More
Crohn’s Disease	Refer to label instructions	[1 star] Supplementing with enzymes might improve the nutrient malabsorption that is often associated with Crohn’s disease. Learn More
Close Crohn’s Disease People with Crohn’s disease may be deficient in pancreatic enzymes, including lipase.⁴⁸ In theory, supplementing with enzymes might improve the nutrient malabsorption that is often associated with Crohn’s disease. However, people with Crohn’s disease considering supplementation with enzymes should consult a doctor. Learn More

References

1. Scolapio JS, Malhi-Chowla N, Ukleja A. Nutrition supplementation in patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 1999;28:695–707 [review].

2. Nakamura T, Tandoh Y, Terada A, et al. Effects of high-lipase pancreatin on fecal fat, neutral sterol, bile acid, and short-chain fatty acid excretion in patients with pancreatic insufficiency resulting from chronic pancreatitis. Int J Pancreatol 1998;23:63–70.

3. Schneider MU, Knoll-Ruzicka ML, Domshke S, et al. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy: comparative effects of conventional and enteric-coated microspheric pancreatin and acid-stable fungal enzyme preparations on steatorrhea in chronic pancreatitis. Hepatogastroenterology 1985;32:97–102.

4. Isaksson G, Ihse I. Pain reduction by an oral pancreatic enzyme preparation in chronic pancreatitis. Dig Dis Sci 1983;28:97–102.

5. Slaff J, Jacobson D, Tillman CR, et al. Protease-specific suppression of pancreatic exocrine secretion. Gastroenterol 1984;87:44–52.

6. Halgreen H, Pedersen NT, Worning H. Symptomatic effect of pancreatic enzyme therapy in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Scand J Gastroenterol 1986;21:104–8.

7. Mossner J. Is there a place for pancreatic enzymes in the treatment of pain in chronic pancreatitis? Digestion 1993;54 Suppl 2:35–9.

8. Schneider MU, Knoll-Ruzicka ML, Domshke S, et al. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy: comparative effects of conventional and enteric-coated microspheric pancreatin and acid-stable fungal enzyme preparations on steatorrhea in chronic pancreatitis. Hepatogastroenterology 1985;32:97–102.

9. Dellhaye M, Meuris S, Gohimont AC, et al. Comparative evaluation of a high lipase pancreatic enzyme preparation and a standard pancreatic supplement for treating exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in chronic pancreatitis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1996;8:699–703.

10. Malesci A, Mariani A, Mezzi G, et al. New enteric-coated high-lipase pancreatic extract in the treatment of pancreatic steatorrhea. J Clin Gastroenterol 1994;18:32–5.

11. Bansi DS, Price A, Russell C, Sarner M. Fibrosing colonopathy in an adult owing to over use of pancreatic enzyme supplements. Gut 2000;46:283–5.

12. Littlewood JM, Wolfe SP. Control of malabsorption in cystic fibrosis. Paediatr Drugs 2000;2:205–22.

13. Borowitz DS, Grand RJ, Durie PR. Use of pancreatic enzyme supplements for patients with cystic fibrosis in the context of fibrosing colonopathy. Consensus committee. J Pediatr 1995;127:681–4.

14. Cruz Pinho A. Dispepsia e terapeutica enzimatica de substituicao. Cadernos Generalista (Lisboa) 1990;78:43–47 [in Portugese].

15. Suarez F, Levitt MD, Adshead J, Barkin JS. Pancreatic supplements reduce symptomatic response of healthy subjects to a high fat meal. Dig Dis Sci 1999;44:1317–21.

16. Bragelmann R, Armbrecht U, Rosemeyer D, et al. The effect of pancreatic enzyme supplementation in patients with steatorrhea after total gastrectomy. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1999;11:231–7.

17. Armbrecht U, Lundell L, Stockbruegger RW. Nutrient malassimilation after total gastrectomy and possible intervention. Digestion 1987;37 Suppl 1:56–60.

18. Armbrecht U, Lundell L, Stockbrugger RW. The benefit of pancreatic enzyme substitution after total gastrectomy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1988;2:493–500.

19. Armbrecht U, Lundell L, Stockbruegger RW. The benefit of pancreatic enzyme substitution after total gastrectomy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1988;2:493–500.

20. Bragelmann R, Armbrecht U, Rosemeyer D, et al. The effect of pancreatic enzyme supplementation in patients with steatorrhea after total gastrectomy. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1999;11:231–7.

21. Ghaneh P, Neoptolemos JP. Exocrine pancreatic function following pancreatectomy. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1999;880:308–18 [review].

22. Neoptolemos JP, Ghaneh P, Andren-Sandberg A, et al. Treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency after pancreatic resection. Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of high vs standard dose pancreatin. Int J Pancreatol 1999;25:171–80.

23. Patel RS, Johlin FC Jr, Murray JA. Celiac disease and recurrent pancreatitis. Gastrointest Endosc 1999;50:823–7.

24. Carroccio A, Iacono G, Montalto G, et al. Pancreatic enzyme therapy in childhood celiac disease. A double-blind prospective randomized study. Dig Dis Sci 1995;40:2555–60.

25. Suarez F, Levitt MD, Adshead J, Barkin JS. Pancreatic supplements reduce symptomatic response of healthy subjects to a high fat meal. Dig Dis Sci 1999;44:1317–21.

26. Akhtar NM, Naseer R, Farooqi AZ, et al. Oral enzyme combination versus diclofenac in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee - a double-blind prospective randomized study. Clin Rheumatol 2004;23:410–5.

27. Miller JM. The absorption of proteolytic enzymes from the gastrointestinal tract. Clin Med 1968;75:35–42 [review].

28. Castell JV, Friedrich G, Kuhn CS, et al. Intestinal absorption of undegraded proteins in men: presence of bromelain in plasma after oral intake. Am J Physiol 1997;273:G139–46.

29. Cirelli MG. Five years’ experience with bromelains in therapy of edema and inflammation in postoperative tissue reaction, skin infections and trauma. Clin Med 1967;74:55–9.

30. Trickett P. Proteolytic enzymes in treatment of athletic injuries. Appl Ther 1964;6:647–52.

31. Sweeny FJ. Treatment of athletic injuries with an oral proteolytic enzyme. Med Times 1963:91:765.

32. Boyne PS, Medhurst H. Oral anti-inflammatory enzyme therapy in injuries in professional footballers. Practitioner 1967;198:543–6.

33. Deitrick RE. Oral proteolytic enzymes in the treatment of athletic injuries: A double-blind study. Pennsylvania Med J 1965;Oct:35–7.

34. Holt HT. Carica papaya as ancillary therapy for athletic injuries. Curr Ther Res 1969;11:621–4.

35. Rathgeber WF. The use of proteolytic enzymes (Chymoral) in sporting injuries. S Afr Med J 1971;45:181–3.

36. Buck JE, Phillips N. Trial of Chymoral in professional footballers. Br J Clin Pract 1970;24:375–7.

37. Johnson L, Eckardt R. Rosacea keratitis and conditions with vascularization of the cornea treated with riboflavin. Arch Ophthamol 1940;23:899–907.

38. Allison JR. The relation of hydrochloric acid and vitamin B complex deficiency in certain skin diseases. South Med J 1945;38:235–41.

39. Barba A, Rosa B, Angelini G, et al. Pancreatic exocrine function in rosacea. Dermatologica 1982;165:601–6.

40. Oelgoetz AW, Oelgoetz PA, Wittenkind J. The treatment of food allergy and indigestion of pancreatic origin with pancreatic enzymes. Am J Dig Dis Nutr 1935;2:422–6.

41. McCann M. Pancreatic enzyme supplement for treatment of multiple food allergies. Ann Allergy 1993;71:269 [abstract #17].

42. Kokkonen J, Simila S, Herva R. Impaired gastric function in children with cow’s milk intolerance. Eur J Pediatr 1979;132:1–6.

43. Kokkonen J, Simila S, Herva R. Gastrointestinal findings in atopic children. Eur J Pediatr 1980;134:249–54.

44. Gonzalez H, Ahmed T. Suppression of gastric H2-receptor mediated function in patients with bronchial asthma and ragweed allergy. Chest 1986;89:491–6.

45. Boero M, Pera A, Andriulli A, et al. Candida overgrowth in gastric juice of peptic ulcer subjects on short- and long-term treatment with H2-receptor antagonists. Digestion 1983;28:158–63.

46. Rubinstein E. Antibacterial activity of the pancreatic fluid. Gastroenterology 1985;88:927–32 [review].

47. Sarker SA, Gyr R. Non-immunological defense mechanisms of the gut. Gut 1990;33:1331–7 [review].

48. Hegnhoj J, Hansen CP, Rannem T, et al. Pancreatic function in Crohn’s disease. Gut 1990;31:1076–9.

49. Nakamura T, Tandoh Y, Terada A, et al. Effects of high-lipase pancreatin on fecal fat, neutral sterol, bile acid, and short-chain fatty acid excretion in patients with pancreatic insufficiency resulting from chronic pancreatitis. Int J Pancreatol 1998;23:63–70.

50. Taylor CJ, Hillel PG, Ghosal S, et al. Gastric emptying and intestinal transit of pancreatic enzyme supplements in cystic fibrosis. Arch Dis Child 1999;80:149–52.

51. Patel RS, Johlin FC Jr, Murray JA. Celiac disease and recurrent pancreatitis. Gastrointest Endosc 1999;50:823–7.

52. Gullo L. Indication for pancreatic enzyme treatment in non-pancreatic digestive diseases. Digestion 1993;54(suppl 2):43–7.

53. Suarez F, Levitt MD, Adshead J, Barkin JS. Pancreatic supplements reduce symptomatic response of healthy subjects to a high fat meal. Dig Dis Sci 1999;44:1317–21.

54. Layer P, Groger G. Fate of pancreatic enzymes in the human intestinal lumen in health and pancreatic insufficiency. Digestion 1993;54(suppl 2):10–4.

55. Stevens JC, Maguiness KM, Hollingsworth J, et al. Pancreatic enzyme supplementation in cystic fibrosis patients before and after fibrosing colonopathy. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1998;26:80–4.

56. Oades PJ, Bush A, Ong PS, Brereton RJ. High-strength pancreatic enzyme supplements and large-bowel stricture in cystic fibrosis. Lancet 1994;343:109 [letter].

57. Campbell CA, Forrest J, Muscgrove C. High-strength pancreatic enzyme supplements and large-bowel stricture in cystic fibrosis. Lancet 1994;343:109–10 [letter].

58. Milla CE, Wielinski CL, Warwick WJ. High-strength pancreatic enzymes. Lancet 1994;343:599 [letter].

59. Jones R, Franklin K, Spicer R, Berry J. Colonic strictures in children with cystic fibrosis on low-strength pancreatic enzymes. Lancet 1995;346:499–500 [letter].

60. Powell CJ. Pancreatic enzymes and fibrosing colonopathy. Lancet 1999;354:251 [letter].

Digestive Enzymes Benefits

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Digestive Enzymes

Related Topics

Digestive Enzymes has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Pancreatic Insufficiency

Celiac Disease

Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach Acidity

Osteoarthritis

Tendinitis

Acne Rosacea

Allergies and Sensitivities and Food Allergies

Chronic Candidiasis

Crohn’s Disease